3. Matthew 23:1-12

4. V.1- Jesus spoke to the crowds Worshippers coming to Jerusalem for Passover 21:9 “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”

5. V.2- The scribes and Pharisees Scribes Copied and preserved the Law Expert interpreters and teachers of the Law Pharisees “separated ones” well versed in the Law Staunch advocates of the written and oral “Law” V.2- The chair of Moses Their in Moses’ seat or position (Law giver and instructor) V.3- Therefore All that they tell you (from God’s Law) Do and observe

6. V.3- But Do not do according to their deeds (Oral traditions) Matthew 15:2-3 "Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." 3 And He answered and said to them, "Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?

7. V.5- They do all their deeds to be noticed by men Matthew 6:1"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” V.5- broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments Deuteronomy 6:6-8 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.

10. V.5- They do all their deeds to be noticed by men Matthew 6:1"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” V.23- Tithe mint and dill and cummin Herbs grown in a kitchen window V.23- Neglected the weightier provisions Justice and mercy and faithfulness Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? V.24- Strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

11. V.5- They do all their deeds to be noticed by men 1 Samuel 16:7 “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Vs.25-28 Outward appearance v/s inward reality Outside of the cup and dish appear clean Inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence Outside of the tomb has a beautiful appearance Inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness V.28 Outwardly, you appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

12. V.4- They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders V.23- Justice and Mercy and Faithfulness V.13- Shut off the kingdom of heaven from people Luke 11:52 "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering." V.15- When you make one proselyte you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves “Twice as much” refers to the level of zeal or fanaticism “Son of hell” one who’s actions are “especially characterized by hellishness”

13. Obedience V.3- all that they tell you, do and observe Do (AAIV) Demands an immediate response Observe (PAIV) A continuous action John 15:10-11 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

14. Humble Obedience V.12- whoever humbles himself shall be exalted Humble- Bring down low James 4:5-8 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

15. Humble Obedience V.11- the greatest among you shall be your servant John 13:12-17 2 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 “ Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.